Agreement on the Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework.

This regional framework Agreement governs the relations of the Parties with regard to the Nile River Basin and makes provisions also for management of resources in emergency situations. The intention is to promote integrated management, sustainable development, and harmonious utilization of the water resources of the Nile Basin, as well as their conservation and protection for the benefit of present and future generations. The Agreement applies to the use, development, protection, conservation and management of the Nile River Basin and its resources and establishes an institutional mechanism for cooperation among the Nile Basin States. It sets out the general principles for the protection, use, conservation and development of the Nile River Basin and the Nile River System and rights and obligations of Nile Basin States. Nile Basin States shall, among other things, take all appropriate measures, individually and, where appropriate, jointly, to protect, conserve and, where necessary, rehabilitate the Nile River Basin and its ecosystems and shall in their respective territories utilize the water resources of the Nile River System in an equitable and reasonable manner.
The Agreement establishes the Nile River Basin Commission. The Commission shall serve as an institutional framework for cooperation among Nile Basin States in the use, development, protection, conservation and management of the Nile River Basin and its waters. Upon the entry into force of this Framework the Commission shall succeed to all rights, obligations and assets of the Nile Basin Initiative (NBI). The Nile River Basin Commission shall maintain regular contact, and shall cooperate closely, with any sub-basin organization or arrangement. Each Nile Basin State shall establish or designate a National Nile Focal Point Institution and notify the Commission thereof. The Agreement has dispute settlement provisions.
Nile Basin States may adopt bilateral or multilateral instruments that supplement the present Framework, concerning portions of the Nile River Basin or the Nile River system. Such instruments shall apply the principles of the present Framework and shall not be inconsistent with the provisions of the present Framework. They may also become a Protocol to this Agreement.